Staff & Board

Staff

Our staff is dedicated to making a difference in Central New York. With extensive knowledge of our community’s changing needs, our staff is uniquely suited to assist donors in creating and implementing their charitable goals. We are also here to help the community by funding a broad spectrum of local needs by providing grant dollars and other assistance to the nonprofit  organizations we support. We are here to serve you, our donors and our community. Check out our Intern Corner to learn about our current and former interns.

	Peter A. Dunn President & CEO Welcomes all questions you may have regarding the Community Foundation and its services.
Finance & Administration
	Kimberly P. Sadowski, CPA Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Oversees all financial transactions, reports and audits, investment liaison activities and technology management.
	Liz Hartman, CPA Controller Manages the day-to-day accounting activities of the Community Foundation adhering to accounting principles, policies and procedures.
	Kate Waltman, CPA Accountant Responsible for accounting and reporting functions and administers scholarships including Syracuse Say Yes to Education.
	Gerianne Corradino Senior Finance Associate Responsible for the grant distribution, and accounts payable processes. Also assists with the accounts receivable process, and provides general administrative support to the Finance department.
	Terri Evans Receptionist Greets callers and visitors to the Philanthropy Center and provides administrative support to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the Foundation.
Development
	Thomas Griffith, AEPC®, CAP®, ChFC®  Vice President, Development Responsible for creating and implementing custom charitable giving plans for individuals, families and companies.
	Monica M. Merante Senior Director, Philanthropic Services Serves as the primary contact for Community Foundation donors, focusing on donor stewardship, outreach and engagement.
	Jan L. Lane Development Officer Responsible for supporting Development operations including lifetime and legacy giving for individuals, families and companies.
	Pragya Murphy Development Officer Responsible for supporting Development operations including lifetime and legacy giving for individuals, families and companies.
	Jenny Green Manager, Philanthropic Services Assists with building and sustaining relationships with donors and professional advisors, data management and event facilitation.
Communications
	Katrina M. Crocker Vice President, Communications Develops and leads the implementation of a comprehensive strategic communication strategy that builds and sustains awareness of the Community Foundation's philanthropic voice in Central New York.
	Juliet Maloff Communications Manager Carries out public relations and marketing strategies to internal and external audiences as outlined within the Community Foundation’s communications plan.
	Christina Whiteside Administrative & Communications Associate Provides administrative support to the professional staff, coordinates the use of meeting areas, and assists with internal events and building operations. Also assists with communications activities.
	Dara Harper Events & Communications Associate Carries out planning and promotions for events and assists with communications activities.
community investment
	Frank Ridzi Vice President, Community Investment Oversees and monitors the grantmaking process, conducts research on issues or concerns of importance to the foundation, shares expertise with donors and manages special projects for the foundation.
	Danielle Gill Director, Grants and Programs Oversees the Community Grantmaking program, special initiatives and nonprofit development programs.
	Robyn Smith Director, Strategic Initiatives Manages and implements the Community Foundation’s strategic initiatives that support and enhance the quality of life in neighborhoods and communities in the Central New York region.
	Dashiell Elliott Manager, Grants and Programs Assists with the implementation and management of the community grant program and the Community Foundation’s community engagement and nonprofit development programs.
	Kari Simpkins Associate, Grants and Programs Provides administrative, initiative development and implementation and grantmaking support.

Board of Directors

The Central New York Community Foundation’s Board of Directors is comprised of community leaders who hold extensive knowledge in the areas of accounting, estate planning and law. Members are responsible for managing the Foundation’s assets, developing new funds and making grants to the organizations that the Foundation and its donors support.

View our directory of former board members.

Board chair
	J. Andrew Breuer  President Hueber-Breuer Construction Company
Vice Chair
	Casey Crabill, Ed.D. President Onondaga Community College
Treasurer
	Daniel J. Fisher Former Executive Vice President Welch Allyn
Compliance Officer
	David A. Holstein, Esq.  Member Bousquet Holstein PLLC
Board Members
	Honorable Julie A. Cecile Judge Onondaga Family Court
	Karin Sloan DeLaney, Esq. Principal Sloan DeLaney P.C.
	Caragh Fahy, CFP® President & Owner Madison Financial Planning Group
	Lee Gatta CLU®, ChFC®, AEP® Financial Planner Prudential Financial
	Carolyn Gerakopoulos Former Director Oneida Public Library
	Grace B. Ghezzi, CPA/PFS/CFF, CFP®, CFE, AEP® President & Financial Consultant Grace B. Ghezzi Consulting, LLC.
	Kate Feldmeier Franz Founder and Owner KFF Literacy Consulting, LLC.
	Mark Fuller, CPA Chief Financial Officer United Radio, Inc.
	Pastor Daren Jamie Senior Pastor People's A.M.E. Zion Church
	Larry R. Leatherman Retired Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology & Bristol-Myers Squibb
	Michael Meath Interim Chair, Public Relations Department S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications Syracuse University
	Timothy Penix Vice President Syracuse Educational Opportunity Center
	J. Daniel Pluff Senior Vice President Morgan Stanley
	Dr. Emad Rahim, PMP®, CSM® Kotouc Family Endowed Chair and Associate Professor Bellevue University
	M. Jack Rudnick Of Counsel Barclay Damon, LLP
	Gwen Webber-McLeod President & CEO Gwen, Inc.
	Maryann M. Winters, MS, CPA Partner Cuomo, Winters & Schmidt, CPAs, PLLC
Counsel
	Mary Anne Cody, Esq. Mackenzie Hughes, LLP